Chapter 41: The Bloodless Pact

“I am starting to think that this is not a good idea,” said Amelie. She had crossed her arms with worry and glanced at the rest of the guild for support.

“Stop worrying so much,” said Chase, drawing his bow and aiming down the shaft. “We’ve practiced it enough. Brent, you ready?”

Brent, standing at the far end of the fort, was staring wide eyed at Chase’s arrow which was pointed at his chest.

“Maybe we should practice with a rock or something?” Said Brent, his voice shaking. This was the first time Amelie had ever heard the young man sound nervous.

“C’mon, Brent,” called Thomas, standing beside Amelie. “Don’t be a wimp. Take the arrow like a man.”

“Easy for you to say,” said Brent, starting to sound angry. “You aren’t about to be shot!”

“Neither are you,” said Chase in exasperation. “You can do this, Brent. Just focus.”

“What about you guys?” Said Amelie, rounding on Alex, Marlon, and a sheet white Claire. “Do you think we should be doing this?”

Marlon shrugged.

“He’s got to learn, right?”

“He’ll be fine,” said Alex. “Besides we got you.”

“Can you heal him?” Said Claire, worriedly. She grabbed Amelie’s arm for the first time and there was not a trace of disdain in her face. She seemed to be bordering on desperate. “If Chase hits him you can heal him, right?”

“Well, theoretically, but I’ve never—.” Began Amelie.

“Relax,” said Chase. He stopped aiming the arrow and turned around to face them. “Brent is more than capable to do this. Besides, if he can’t , I’m not going to hit anything too important. Amelie can fix him right up. Brent,” Chase redrew his arrow and spun around. “It’s now or never. On 3!”

Brent gulped but nodded his head.

“One.”

Amelie sighed and crossed her arms even tighter. The anxiety on Brent’s face was starting to make her even more nervous.

“Two.”

Chase closed his right eye and sighted down the arrow. Amelie saw Claire on the edge of her vision cover her eyes. Marlon shifted uncomfortably and Alex put his hands on his hips.

“Three.”

The arrow flew from his bow faster than a snake striking its prey. It whistled through the air, and then just as suddenly the sound of wood breaking as though against a stone wall resounded within the courtyard.

Brent slowly opened his eyes, having closed them as soon as Chase let his arrow fly. He looked down at his body and then at Chase.

“Did you miss? It sounded like it struck the wall.” Brent turned around and began searching for the missing shaft.

“Look in front of you,” said Chase triumphantly. “The arrow broke on impact. Well done.”

A mixture of shock and relief crossed Brent’s face, but before he could find the arrow Thomas had already wandered over and found the pieces. He held up two pieces of the arrow for all to see.

“Bounced right off him. And here I thought we were about to see Amelie’s new ability today, too.”

Claire breathed a sigh of relief but still looked sick.

“Really good job, Brent, I knew you could do it.”

“Yeah me too,” said Brent. He grinned and any nervousness he had moments before evaporated. “Can’t wait to find that Goblin King and infuriate him when he can’t even hit me.”

“Alright, guys,” said Chase. “What you just witnessed is called a Class Ability. Each contract gets them at different levels, but most will get their first one at level 3. Brent and Claire have unlocked their Stone Skin abilities today.”

“Is it magic?” Said Thomas, still examining the broken arrow.

“Kind of,” shrugged Chase, “but not really. They don’t require mana like Amelie’s spells do. It’s just something that AION designed when he made this world. They make fighting more interesting I suppose.”

“Do I even need armor now?” Said Brent.

“Of course you do!” Chase shook his head. “You’re ability can only be used a few times a day. Being able to have the Stone Skin ability all day is not something that even Solomon can do. Usually there is an hour window between such abilities, but as you grow and master more jobs that can be increased. Abilities are the bread and butter of your jobs. Learning how to use them well in battle is what separates the masters from the amateurs, so to speak.”

“So cool,” said Brent, looking down at himself. “Can’t wait to use this for real.”

“Learning how to properly use it will be key,” explained Chase. “An ability such as this well demands precise timing. Using your arm as a shield is only useful if you time it correctly otherwise you might lose your arm. This ability only last a couple seconds so a moment too soon or too late will make all the difference.”

“What happens to our abilities when we change jobs?” Asked Amelie curiously.

“You keep them, of course,” said Chase. He was selecting another arrow from his quiver. “That’s what makes you OP, eventually. A player with ten contracts will have dozens of abilities and untold buffs to all of their major stats. It’s only when you quit a contract that you lose any of them.”

“Um, Chase?” Said Claire worriedly. “Maybe we can test my ability after training today.”

“Are you sure?” Said Chase, with half a smile. “If you need it today against the goblins it might be best to have some practice.”

“I’m sure,” said Claire. “We aren’t going into the caves today, right? Still have a couple more camps to attack, anyways. I might not even need it.”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

“Very well,” said Chase. He looked at Amelie. “But you two aren’t the only ones who hit level 3 today.”

When Amelie had woken up that morning she had opened her journal as she usually did to do some writing. Typically she wrote about what she had learned the day before and spells she wanted to attempt. That morning she had scanned her levels as she usually did and found that she had miraculously hit level 3 along with Brent and Claire. Chase had said he had never heard of a player hitting the third level for mage after only two months.

“It’s seems we have a magical prodigy in our guild,” said Chase with a smile. “Amelie may one day be the greatest mage that Esem has ever seen.”

“I doubt that will happen,” said Amelie, starting to blush. “I read about Michael the Mage from the third century. He was the greatest mage Esem ever saw. I don’t think I’ll be reaching his level anytime soon.”

“I keep telling you not to worry about getting stumped at the mage levels, yet you keep proving me wrong. I’m done telling you anything is impossible. If you put your mind to it, Amelie, I know you can make it.”

“Thanks,” said Amelie. All the guild members were looking at her and the attention was making her blush harder. “But Micheal the Mage was able to master both forms of magic. Only one player every hundred years is able to do that.”

“True,” said Chase. “But, again, I’ve been wrong about you every step of the way. Maybe you actually can master two forms as well. Of course Esem already has one of those ‘once in a century mages’ living already, so the odds are low, but if I have met anyone I would bet on it would be you.”

Chase’s confidence in her meant more than she could ever say, and it surprised her how good she felt in his belief in her. She felt a warmth in her chest that was quite unusual and all she could do was smile.

“Alright, guild,” said Chase. “It’s time to have a meeting. Summer will be coming to an end in about a month and a half. Most of us are still at level 2, and the contract tournament is at the beginning of September. That means we have 6 weeks for everyone to get on the same page.”

“What’s the plan, boss?” Said Marlon.

“Level 4 for everyone, including me,” said Chase seriously. “It is going to be grueling, but I think we can do it. Level four means we all hit one level a month since we signed our contracts. I won’t lie to you—most players don’t think that is even possible and likely won’t believe you if you tell them. But it doesn’t matter. We will need to make a final push to level four, or at least as close as we can come.”

“You think its possible?” Said Thomas, doubtfully. “I don’t think ransacking goblin corpses is gonna get me there.”

“That’s why I’ve been saving the caves,” said Chase. “The goblin caves were too dangerous while we were at level one. They have more enemies and tougher ones at that. Also, we might run into the Goblin King as some point, and he is a nasty piece of work. Fighting him however, and taking his gold, of course, will be a boat load of experience that will easily push us all to level four.”

“Sounds good,” said Marlon. “I don’t suppose these caves are bursting with the life of plants?”

“That they are, actually,” said Chase. “At least from what I can remember. We will bring you back whatever we find, or, better yet, you can accompany us to the caves once we clear some out and you can get ingredients until you are blue in the face and green in the hands.”

“Excellent,” said Marlon, rubbing his hands together. “From what I remember of the Esem Survival Guide the Class Ability for Herbalist will come in great handy.”

“Speaking of,” said Claire. “Can we see Amelie’s new ability?”

All eyes turned to her once again.

“I suppose so,” said Amelie. “It won’t do anything though since no one is injured.”

“Good point,” said Chase. “Tommy, hand me that broken arrow. Just the part with the arrow head.”

“What for?” Said Thomas, handing it over.

An evil grin spread across Chase’s face as he eyed each of the guild members.

“Anyone ever do a blood pact before?”

“You can’t be serious,” said Claire, rolling her eyes, at the same moment Brent said “I’m in.”

“A blood pact for what?” Said Alex, quizzically. “Also, I don’t suppose blood pacts have a greater significance since we are in Esem? Does something magical happen?”

“No, no,” said Chase, waving his hands. “But I wish they did. Instant death for breaking them would be a handy convenience for some things. Actually, I do think there is a job class that can do just that…what were they called again?”

“Chase,” inquired Marlon as a thoughtful look weren’t across Chase’s face. “What kind of blood pact would you want?”

“You actually want to do this?” Said Claire with disgust.

“We can swear to get to level four by summer’s end, is all,” explained Chase. “Plus, Amelie is gonna heal us all so its a good time for it, I would say. Thoughts?”

Amelie was unsure whether a blood pact was necessary but the men seemed excited. Claire looked resigned to the inevitable and only Alex looked at all that he might refuse.

“I don’t know if I can do it,” said Alex, sounding defeated. “I haven’t even got level three yet. It took me two weeks longer than Brent and Claire to get to level 2, after all.”

“Attitude, Alex,” said Chase, slapping him on the back. “It’s all about attitude. Plus, we are going to the caves soon. You can definitely get to level 4, trust me.”

“And me?” Said Thomas.

“Yes, you too,” said Chase. Then he muttered “probably, at least.”

“What happens if we don’t get it?” Said Brent. He was already rolling up his sleeve. “There has to be some kind of penalty.”

“Who ever doesn’t get level four has to cut off a finger,” offered Thomas, rubbing his hands.

“What!” Amelie covered her mouth in shock.

“Fingers good,” said Chase with a smile, looking at Amelie. “But I would also take a toe or an eyeball.”

Claire sighed.

“Amelie, they are joking,” said Claire. “Guys, stop, she is turning green.”

In the end the guild decided that the penalty would be decided at a later date. Chase went first, slicing his hand with the arrow head. The red blood poured out of the cut and when he made a fist of his hand the blood dribbled out and dropped on the courtyard floor.

“Hand it over,” said Brent. He sliced his hand with gusto and didn’t make a sound, but winced slightly as the blood filled his palm.

Each member had a different reaction. Amelie watched Thomas gingerly knick his palm only to be called a wimp by Brent which made the boy slice his palm five more times until a line of red appeared in his hand. Thomas more than winced and looked on the edge of tears.

Alex grunted as he made the cut, and Marlon sighed but cut his palm expertly, and with a flick of his wrist there was now a fourth palm. Only the girls remained.

“I still think this is dumb,” muttered Claire as she took the now totally bloody arrow head. But she cut her hand all the same and hissed as the instrument pierced her skin. “Last, one Amelie. Try not to faint.”

Claire plopped the bloody arrow head into Amelie’s waiting hand and for a moment she just stared at it, realizing that since she had spawned she had never seen her own blood.

“Hurry up, Amelie,” whined Thomas. “I’m gonna bleed out if you take much longer.”

Deciding that speed was the best way to handle this, Amelie pressed the arrow head against her palm and then looked away. When she pulled the arrow across her palm she imagined the skin opening up like cloth being torn on a dress. She felt her hand become warm and sticky and when she looked down the cut looked far deeper than she had meant to make it. Blood was everywhere.

“Next time look as what you are doing,” said Chase. He placed his hand, palm facing toward the sky, in front of him. “Anyway. Guild! Place your hands upon mine like a stack of pancakes.”

“Only instead of syrup its our blood,” said Brent.

“Quite right,” agreed Chase.

Soon seven bloody hands were placed on top of one another. Amelie’s was in the middle and Alex, being the tallest, had his large mitt on the top.

“I swear,” began Chase, looking at each of the guild members in turn. “That by the end of Summer, before the contract tournament. I will be at level four in the Hunter class.”

They went around the circle, and after each member had repeated their vow the pact was made. There was now a sizable pool of blood on the ground.

“Okay, Amelie,” said Marlon. “I think this is your cue. Show us the magic.”

Amelie took a deep breath. She had never performed the ability and since she had just learned of her ascension to level 3 a few hours before she wondered for the first time what would happen if she were unable to access it. Chase must have seen the worry on her face.

“Don’t think about it,” said Chase. “Just do it. This isn’t a spell you need to learn to cast. It’s just an ability. It should be as easy to use as lifting a finger.”

She searched within herself. She did feel slightly different than the day before. As though something had been knocked loose within her mentally. There was a part of her floating around that had not been there the day before. Amelie closed her eyes once more and focused on the idea that wherever her ability lay within that is was within her minds reach. When she opened her eyes a light was pouring from her skin.

“Amazing!” Said Claire.

The light stretched some 8 feet away from her, and made her almost into a beacon. The soft glow covered them all and Amelie felt the cut in her hand knitting together. After only a few seconds the light disappeared as suddenly as it had come, and when she looked around everyone’s hands were healed and all the blood was gone.

“And that, is that,” said Chase. He sounded proud of her. “Good show, Amelie, I knew you could do it.”

“What an incredible ability,” said Marlon. He was opening and closing his fist as he examined his hand. “Perhaps I should have chosen to become a mage.”

“Anyone within the light can get healed,” said Amelie. She had read about it back on the island. “But I can only use it once per day, unlike the Fighters ability.”

“What about your other healing spell?” Asked Alex. He started to take a seat on the ground.

“I can use that whenever,” said Amelie. “But that one requires a lot of my mana, and healing so many people at once might kill me.”

“Only for now,” said Chase. “As you practice it will become easier. And over the years as you get stronger that ability will be able to last much longer and heal a great many people. Melamy has gotten it to the point that she can heal 50 people for over half an hour.”

“Abilities can really become that strong?”

“As I said, its our bread and butter.”

“I like bread and butter,” said Thomas.

“Who doesn’t?” Said Chase, patting the boy on the head. “Now then, lets make good on this blood pact. Fighters! Get ready to head out!”

Amelie found her book and a shady spot to read in as the others prepared to leave. Once the door had shut behind them and their voices disappeared she opened her book to a spell she had been trying to learn, but found her focus wavering. She decided to shut the book and then just stared at her hands. What kind of powers would she develop the longer she learned? What kind of spells would she be able to cast? She thought of the shocked faces of her guild mates after she had healed them and resolved that there would never be a time, if she could help it, that she could not heal her friends.

I swear I will never let them down, she swore silently to herself, in a bloodless pact between herself and the universe, whatever the universe might be. I swear it by AION, and I pity whoever stands between me and my friends.